Prediction time

While there seemed an awful lot of angst among the Seahawks’ fan base this week for a team that is 8-1 — the best start in franchise history — there doesn’t appear much reason to worry about Seattle overlooking Atlanta tomorrow.

Russell Wilson talked this week about his memories of the playoff loss last year, which he alludes to in the Tweet below, as well:

I think they will get it. Like the Seahawks, I am 8-1 on my picks of their games this season (picking them to win every game and losing only when they lost at Indianapolis).

As we’ve documented all week, Atlanta is banged up on offense, no better on defense than it was a year ago, and simply not quite as good overall, as their 2-6 record illustrates.

That doesn’t mean this may not be a dangerous game — Atlanta still has Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez, and tomorrow may also have Roddy White back.

But Seattle, despite the frustrating manner in which it has played at times the past few weeks, has shown it has the ability this year to withstand big shots from another team and slam the door at the end and win the close ones.

This one also may be close and have its share of anxiety-raising moments.

But ultimately I think the Seahawks will pull it out. Call it Seattle 24, Atlanta 17.